Leaders of the Island's United Methodist churches yesterday became the latest group to publicly oppose gambling, claiming it is "destructive to the social, moral and spiritual stability of society" and would have devastating effects in Bermuda.

As public meetings to discuss possible relaxing of anti-gaming laws take place across the Island this week, Bermuda's United Methodists have joined the AME, Seventh-day Adventists and the Muslim community in declaring their opposition to gambling.

And they called upon their members and the general public to participate in meetings discussing the issue.

Rev. Laurie Tingley, pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church, and Rev. Joseph Whalen, pastor of Marsden First United Methodist Church said in a statement: "We are concerned that gambling is being actively considered as a way to rejuvenate the economic life of the community and, as leaders of the United Methodist churches in Bermuda, we are expressing our firm opposition to gambling."

"Gambling promotes a love for money that feeds the roots of many individual and societal evils, not the least of which is the greed of those who hope to benefit financially from the gaming business. The seduction of gambling entraps victims with the illusion of gain at a great economic, social and spiritual loss."

The statement echoed a statement backed by Southampton's Masjid Quba, one of Bermuda's two mosques, in February, which opposed gambling on spiritual, socioeconomic and "pure common sense" grounds.

In yesterday's statement, the United Methodist Church leaders expressed particular concern about the potential effects on lower income families, as well as the implications for society at large.

It said: "The negative impact on low and moderate income families and on those for whom gambling becomes a compulsive behaviour must be given serious consideration.

"In jurisdictions where gambling is permitted, the foundation of the family is at greatest risk with sharp increases in divorce, suicide, bankruptcy, child abuse and domestic violence."

Supporters of gambling include the Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, hoteliers, and business people such as former Premier Sir John Swan and the Chamber of Commerce's Philip Barnett.

Public meetings are taking place this week as part of New Orleans-based The Innovation Group's $300,000 feasibility study into gaming, jointly funded by Government and hoteliers. They are intended to gauge public opinion about relaxing anti-gambling laws.

The United Methodist Church statement added: "We are encouraging our members and the general public to voice their views on the subject and participate in discussions to find creative alternatives.

"As a church, we stand firmly against Bermuda exploring gambling as a way to revive tourism and boost our economy. Bermuda is a beautiful but small and fragile island which could never recover from the damaging results of gambling.

"We support other churches and groups that have expressed similar views on gambling. We are prepared to work with government and business leaders on this serious issue to achieve a productive solution for Bermuda."

Following public meetings held in the western and central parishes last night and Tuesday, the final forum will be take place tonight at the World Heritage Centre, Penno's Wharf, St. George's, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Innovation Group is also inviting residents to give their views on casinos, national lotteries, social issues and responsibilities connected to gambling at www.blogbermudagaming.com.